Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov has reasserted his desire to join Manchester United before the end of the current transfer window.

The Bulgarian started on the bench for the club during their opening day defeat at Middlesbrough, impressing when used as a second-half substitute at the Riverside Stadium.

However, Berbatov insisted that he should be allowed to follow his "dream" of joining the Premier League champions, who have courted the player all summer as they have sought to add striking options to their side.

United's need to bolster their attack was exposed on Sunday during a tame 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at Old Trafford, in which Frazier Campbell partnered Wayne Rooney up front.

United have reportedly offered Tottenham £25 million for Berbatov, with the London club insistent that their star striker can only leave White Hart Lane should United return with an increased offer in the region of £30 million.

Tottenham's tepid display revealed that, should Berbatov leave, they will need to bring in not only a replacement for the Bulgarian but also a quality holding midfield player to bring stability and balance to the centre of the team.